MANASSA — For more than a century, Manassa has reached to its very roots and celebrated them. The Pioneer Days Celebration, set July 19-21 honors its first settlers from Spanish explorers in the late 1500s, to Mormon pioneers in the 1800s.

Manassa’s population has been known to swell to some 10,000 during the three-day event.  The celebration includes carnival rides, fair food, music, Miss Pioneer, and the parade. The carnival is a highlight of each year’s event and advance tickets are on sale for $20 each at Manassa Market and Mark’s Outdoor Sports in Alamosa.

Following is the Pioneer Days schedule:

Thursday, July 19

Museum open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Carnival runs 5 p.m. to midnight

A Kickoff Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. in the Opera House.

Friday, July 20

Parade, 10 a.m. on Main Street

Hamburger stand open 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Carnival will run 10 a.m. to midnight

Live entertainment, noon to 8 p.m.

Barbecue dinner at Opera House, noon to 8 p.m.

5K pre-registration 12:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dempsey Park

Rodeo at fairgrounds, 6 p.m.

Concert at fairgrounds, 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 21

5K Run sign-in 7 a.m., Dempsey Park

5K Run start, 8 a.m. Dempsey Park

Parade 10 a.m. Main Street

Hamburger stand, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Carnival, 10 a.m.-midnight

Live entertainment, noon to 8 p.m.

Rodeo, 1 p.m., fairgrounds

Demolition Derby, 6 p.m., fairgrounds

Entertainment

Friday

Noon-2 p.m.  Gunbarrel Junction

2-4 p.m. Kickin’ Back

4-6 p.m. Blue Sky

6-8 p.m. Bad Attitude

Saturday

Noon-4 p.m. Atomic Fireballs

4-6 p.m.  Indian Nickel

6-8 p.m.  Gunbarrel Junction